Perspectives on transportation issues: The importance of having physically fit cattle and pigs

ABSTRACT One of the most important issues is starting with an animal that is fit for transport. It is impossible to assure good animal welfare during transport if the animal is unfit. Severely lame or weak, emaciated animals are not fit for transport. Recent figures on the incidence of nonambulatory cull dairy cows show that the problem has become worse since 1993. In beef cattle there has been a slight improvement. A major factor causing unfitness in some cows and pigs is overselection for milk or meat production. Lameness may be increasing in some high-producing dairy cows and sows. Modern hybrid pigs, which have been selected for rapid growth, leanness, and a large loin area, are often prone to stress that causes the pig to become nonambulatory. Observations at packing plants indicate that in certain genetic lines the incidence of transit deads and “stressor” pigs has increased. Some of these pigs are so fragile that transport insurance is difficult to obtain. These pigs have a very excitable temperament, which makes loading and unloading a truck more difficult. Another problem area is transport of 1 d-old “bobby” Holstein calves before they can walk easily without assistance from a person. Good management is essential. Tired loading crews that become impatient or overloading of trucks may increase bruises and injuries. Careful driving and avoiding sudden stops and starts will reduce injuries due to animals falling down. Animal welfare during transport will be improved by transporting animals that are strong enough to withstand the rigors of transport. Animal fitness for transport can be improved by marketing cull breeding stock when they are still fit and using genetic selection for structural and physiological soundness.

Implications

Some of the most severe problems that occur during livestock transport are caused by animals that are not fit for transport. Cull breeding animals is one of the most serious problem areas. Some of these animals are too weak for travel. Producers need to market their animals when they are still fit for travel. The development of auditing systems for monitoring breeding animal condition and the development of markets to further increase the value of cull breeding stock will help improve fitness for transport. Improving the fitness of young market animals for travel will require accountability for losses throughout the marketing chain.

Key Words: Cattle, Pigs, Transport, Welfare

© 2001, by the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.

J. Anim. Sci. 2001. 79:E201-E207